Making energy-efficiency upgrades within a multifamily property is often met with resistance from property owners and managers due to costs, hesitation around new technologies and reluctance to disrupt tenants. Most multifamily properties have tackled the easier and more cost-effective upgrades, leaving few opportunities not requiring a significant investment. The Multifamily Strategic Energy Management (SEM) pilot sought to apply the strategic energy management approach, which has proven successful with other businesses, to multifamily properties to gauge if it can be effective in uncovering no and low-cost energy-saving opportunities.
Project Timeline: January 2022 – December 2023
Customer Segment: Residential
Pilot Objectives:
Focus on Energy (Focus) partnered with Madison Gas & Electric (MGE) to deliver the pilot. Together, buildings were identified and invited to participate in SEM. As part of their participation, properties were asked to pledge a year-long commitment towards building energy efficiency practices and culture. They were also asked to develop an energy team consisting of an executive sponsor and energy champion.
Once enrolled, properties were provided an energy scan, participated in operations and maintenance workshops, and received a predictive energy model. Resident engagement was also an element of the process and included monthly energy savings tips, resident events, and giveaways. At the end of the process, any energy savings resulting from SEM participation were eligible for a financial incentive. Financial incentives for SEM savings was offered at a lower rate than traditional custom incentive levels.
The Multifamily Strategic Energy Management (SEM) pilot enrolled 21 buildings and was able to capture savings within 14. The pilot saved an estimated 2.7M LC kWh and 284,000 LC therms, roughly 35% of the pilot’s goal. Further findings about the pilot can be found in the CY2023 Evaluation Report.
Given the high level of support and limited savings uncovered from this pilot, it was opted to not be continued. Lessons learned from the pilot will be incorporated into the existing Multifamily program offering and an SEM offering may be re-evaluated in the future depending on changing market needs.
Please contact the Future Focus team with questions at futurefocus@focusonenergy.com.